As 57% of UK SMEs plan to find new suppliers,
driving cost efficiency and enhancing product quality amongst top
priorities for year ahead
LONDON, Feb. 26,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) across the UK are set to make major changes to
their product sourcing strategies this year, according to new data
from Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global
business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce.
Just under half of UK SMEs say that sourcing products at more
cost-effective prices (43%) is a top priority in 2025. This is
followed by finding trusted suppliers (40%), finding sustainable
products (32%), and sourcing new and trendy products to acquire new
customers (31%).
In addition, more than half of UK SMEs (57%) plan to change
suppliers*, as they increasingly turn to digital sourcing
channels, such as online B2B marketplaces, to find new suppliers,
source new products and unlock growth. Just under two thirds (59%)
of UK SMEs surveyed said digital sourcing† is more
important‡ now compared to this time last year. This
indicates an increased preference for direct sourcing – buying
goods directly from suppliers, rather than intermediaries.
The study of more than 1,000 sourcing decision makers at SMEs in
the UK was launched in the run-up to March Expo 2025, Alibaba.com's
major B2B sourcing event of the year. March Expo connects buyers
and sellers from around the world, helping them discover the latest
product opportunities and build new supplier partnerships. During
the month, B2B buyers can also shop from thousands of sustainable
products and benefit from over two million deals with product
certificates.
Kuo Zhang, President,
Alibaba.com, said: "UK SMEs are becoming more strategic in
their sourcing, focusing on affordability, trend responsiveness,
and supplier reliability to stay competitive. Our research shows
that SMEs are looking beyond cost savings and actively seeking new
suppliers to future-proof their businesses. This shift aligns with
a broader trend across Europe,
where the number of orders placed by European buyers on our
platform in February increased by 75% year-on-year. As businesses
embrace digital sourcing, they are gaining greater flexibility and
access to a wider range of products to support their growth."
To support SMEs in adapting to these changing market
dynamics, March Expo 2025 will provide access to more than one
million new products at competitive prices and offer coupons valued
between $5 and $500 available at check-out. First time orders
receive up to $20 off on shipping
fees with orders shipped via Alibaba.com.
In February, the fastest-growing product categories sourced by
European SMEs were skincare and cosmetics, gifts and
artefacts, and consumer electronics.
March Expo starts on 1 March on Alibaba.com.
Notes to Editors
The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of
1,001 decision makers (aged 18+) in UK SMEs who are responsible for
sourcing in companies with under 150 employees (excluding sole
traders).
The data was collected between 31 January
2025 and 6 February 2025.
Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research
Society and follows the MRS code of conduct which is based on the
ESOMAR principles.
* 'Strongly agree' and 'Somewhat agree' responses combined
† Sourcing products through online B2B marketplaces
‡ 'Much more important' and 'More important' responses
combined
About Alibaba.com
Launched in 1999, Alibaba.com is a leading platform for global
business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce that serves buyers and
suppliers from over 200 countries and regions around the world. It
is engaged in services covering various aspects of commerce,
including providing businesses with tools that help them reach a
global audience for their products and helping buyers discover
products, find suppliers and place orders online fast and
efficiently. Alibaba.com is part of Alibaba International Digital
Commerce Group.
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